Report: Manufacturing questions standing in the way of Audi R4 production

According to Autocar in the UK, which is citing unknown "high-ranking Audi insiders in Ingolstadt," the future of the Audi R4, Volkswagen BlueSport and possibly an unnamed entry-level model from Porsche (we vote 914) are currently being mulled by the three-headed German automaker. The major stumbling block? Whether or not a stamped steel architecture or Audi's familiar aluminum spaceframe chassis should be used.

Naturally, we'd argue for the light weight of aluminum, which seems more appropriate for a line of sportscars... but at the price point afforded by the much less expensive steel. Decisions, decisions. In any case, the British mag continues to suggest that the R4 would presumably get two turbocharged gasoline engines (1.4-liters and 1.6-liters) along with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel mill in lieu of the all-electric powertrain shown off in concept form.

Volkswagen, parent company of both Audi and Porsche, is said to get the final say in the development of all three machines, but some sort of production seems likely. Says the unnamed insider, "Scale is important to a project like this... But with three different car makers working to a common goal, the chances [of it getting the go-ahead] look good."

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Anonymous

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

Yeah, aluminum would be "neat" but wouldn't serve the business goal. All three brands need this to sell and an aluminum chassis would price it in direct competition with each other.

Unfortunately, weight is becoming a major issue in the car business and efforts to lighten up aren't going well. Aluminum and carbon are the big answers but, again, defy the marketing challenge. If they do go aluminum, I don't think a VW variant would be a good idea...

Anonymous

Anonymous

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

Agreed. All those who voted (-) for davidmg7 are ignoring obvious "1st glance" similarities --- with the general public will do when they finally see it.

The R4 is beautiful and slick --- but definitely reminds me of the Nissan 350Z/Infiniti G-coupe --- which I don't think is a bad thing. The R4 has its own style in that Audi-way of making any-ole luxury mark fairly sexy & convincing.

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

Although my inner hippie is huddled in a corner crying silent tears for the (possible) death of the electric R4, my inner hoon is doing donuts around my cerebrum over the possibility of a lightweight turbo diesel coupe from Audi.

If this thing comes in around 2800 lbs and the 2.0 TDI pushes out 200 hp/ 300 lbft (not impossible considering the Golf GTD is 170/260), it will be a very, very desirable sports car that should also get 40+ mpg.

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

I gotta say the VW Bluesport is one of my favorite concept cars and I seriously hope it makes it to production with the TDI intact, love the old 89 MR2 because it was tossible and frugal and it just seems like the Blue sport would fill that long void! VW if your listening build it and they will come!

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

There is no need to build it from aluminium. A chassis weights about 240 kg, building it of aluminium just safes you 40 kg, but it will be more expensive, will not last as long and will be more expensive to repair. Better way of making it lighter is to put less luxury in. The motors of one electrical seat weight 11kg each and over 10 km of wiring is used in every car.I really hope they make it affordable as an opponent for the ft86, but i dont think its going to happen.